Gender and participation level in the fisheries value chain in Malakal county, Upper Nile State, South Sudan

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of gender on participation in the fisheries value chain in Malakal County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to determine the effect of gender roles on participation in the fisheries value chain in Malakal County, Upper Nile State; to establish the effect of access to resources by gender on participation in the fisheries value chain in Malakal County, Upper Nile State; and to assess the effect of gender-based decision-making power on participation in the fisheries value chain in Malakal County, Upper Nile State. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design. The population was 300, and the sample size was 169, determined using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) table. The study applied simple random and systematic random sampling techniques for selecting respondents. Data was collected using both questionnaires and an interview guide. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) Version 23 was used to analyze the data. The researcher employed bivariate analysis to analyze the data. Regression analysis and correlation were applied to measure the degree of association between the independent and dependent variables. The researcher adhered to existing ethical principles to ensure the research was credible and acceptable to academic communities and users of the results. The findings indicate a strong positive correlation between gender roles and participation in the fisheries value chain, evidenced by a Pearson’s Correlation coefficient of 0.796 and regression coefficient (β) of 0.467. The study indicates a Pearson’s Correlation of 0.472 and regression coefficient (β) of 0.262, suggests a moderate positive correlation between access to resources by gender and participation in the fisheries value chain. The study indicates a Pearson’s Correlation of 0.657 and regression coefficient (β) of 0.378, suggests a significant and positive relationship between gender-based decision-making power and participation in the fisheries value chain in Malakal County, Upper Nile State. The study concludes that there is a positive effect of gender roles, access to resources by gender, and gender-based decision-making power on participation in the fisheries value chain at Malakal County, Upper Nile State. The study recommended that responsible authorities should implement training programs that specifically target women and marginalized groups to enhance their skills in fishing, processing, and marketing fish products. Both men and women should have equal access to fishing licenses, equipment, and financial resources necessary for engaging in the fisheries sector. Key stakeholders should advocate for policies that promote gender equality within decision-making processes related to fisheries management at local levels.